Happy Labor Day

I seriously can't believe it's September! This weekend marks the unofficial end of summer (although this year, we're going to stretch summer for another week before we start our fall fun festivities). This year, much like last, has been a little different. Our nation is still fighting a pandemic. This COVID-10 virus continues to mutate and has exhausted our healthcare system. It is hard to see the division that this has caused. There is still misinformation, fears, shaming, etc. Jonas is still not able to be vaccinated, which remains a concern for us, but we have chosen fun over fear. We choose faith and family over anger and division. We have had an awesome summer and even have a few trips planned in the next coming months. We are looking forward to a future without COVID and trying to do everything on our part to be "good global citizens". This school year has started off mask-free! The boys are excited to have normal school activities. Danny is looking forward to the homecoming dance and Jonas may actually get to experience a school field trip! This weekend, we gathered all our kids home (and even enticed a couple of nephews, Jessop and Grant, to join the fun). When we all get together, it's loud and crazy (and sometimes a little conflict arises), but we wouldn't have it any other way. Jonas and I started the Labor Day weekend with actual "labor". He was my little harvest helper as we picked and processed some of our produce. I'll admit that I always have great plans when I plant in the spring, then the fall harvest hits and the summer exhaustion wins out! I did make some jam and some fresh desserts and dinners, but I haven't bottled as many items as I had envisioned. It's been a crazy, busy, slightly exhausting couple of months! Still, we enjoy eating our fresh produce!

This is an apple from the little tree I grafted two years ago!

Sunday night (September 5) the party started. We spent the next 24+ hours laughing, eating, and playing! When we were at home, everyone enjoyed playing volleyball and trampoline dodgeball with our giant ball. There were also wrestling matches, acrobatics, and a game or two of wiffle ball.

On Monday (Labor Day, September 6), we started the day off at the annual Payson Car Show. I enjoy walking around and seeing all the old cars, but I really love watching all the boys (Jeff included) oooh and aaah over them. They get so excited and start throwing out all the car terminology that I don't understand, but their smiles say it all. Even Jonas got involved in some of the car banter. 

Following the car show, we grabbed a quick lunch then went to see the new Marvel movie, Shang Chi.  It's been awhile since we've all been to a movie together. Jonas loved it! While we waited for the post-credit scenes, he moved all over the theater practicing his martial arts moves, then when we got home, he grabbed his walking stick and continued his training outside. The rest of the evening was spent at home. We had a steak BBQ and continued playing games outside. We do not have a perfect family, but we keep showing up. Jeff and I hope that we will always be able to create an environment and host events that entice the kids to keep coming home.